Let's Have War!

It is possible, I suppose, that Obama's decision to directly arm the Syrian rebels is just simple realpolitik, a response to Russia's recent (alleged) arms shipments to Assad,  and that the crossing of the "bright red line" is just an excuse. Still it's hard to see how we win in this deal - Assad will be more loyal to Russia if he survives - of that there is little doubt. But is a pro-American regime in Syria even remotely in the cards? Do we think the new regime will break up the Shia-crescent and foil some Iranian plot to dominate the region? Or perhaps we're trying to arm the "good" rebels, so they can offset the gains made by the bad rebels.

But I have a hard time believing any such strategic thinking is at work as opposed to regular, ordinary stupid thinking. Because there is this:

A resettlement plan under discussion in Washington and other capitals is aimed at relieving pressure on Middle Eastern countries straining to support 1.6 million refugees, as well as assisting hard-hit Syrian families. 

The State Department is "ready to consider the idea," an official from the department said, if the administration receives a formal request from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, which is the usual procedure.

The United States usually accepts about half the refugees that the U.N. agency proposes for resettlement. California has historically taken the largest share, but Illinois, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia are also popular destinations.

We're only too glad to do our part!